Ever walked outside only to find your beloved dog happily rolling around in the garbage like it’s a five-star spa treatment? As gross as it sounds, some dogs just can’t resist the allure of trash. For them, it’s not waste—it’s treasure!
Whether it’s the smell of leftover pizza, an old wrapper, or something unidentifiable (and better left that way), certain breeds seem born with a knack for turning your clean pup into a walking stink bomb. While this behavior can be funny at first, it often leads to extra baths, frustrated owners, and the occasional ruined sofa cushion.
But don’t worry—rolling in trash isn’t always a sign of bad manners; sometimes it’s instinct, curiosity, or just a quirky canine habit.
We’ll uncover the worst-behaved dog breeds most likely to indulge in this messy pastime. If your furry friend is one of them, you’ll also get tips on how to curb the behavior and save your sanity (and your nose).
Ready to find out if your dog’s trash obsession is common—or if you just got “lucky”? Let’s dive in.
Worst-Behaved Dog Breeds That Roll In Trash
1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute: a snow-loving powerhouse with a mischievous streak that can rival any raccoon.
These massive, fluffy dogs were bred for pulling sleds, not raiding your kitchen… but leave a garbage bag unattended, and suddenly it’s their personal Arctic treasure hunt. With strength, determination, and a nose that never quits, Malamutes turn trash duty into an extreme sport.
Power + persistence – strong enough to move bins, open lids, and devour leftovers faster than you can blink.
Keen noses – if it smells interesting, it’s fair game.
Mischief with muscle – their size makes it look like the garbage exploded on its own.
Alaskan Malamutes are loyal, affectionate, and incredible companions, but they also come with a side of chaos. When it comes to trash, these fluffy giants play hard, dig deep, and leave you laughing (and cleaning) in their wake.
Alaskan Malamutes are very expressive and will let you know if they’re bored, full of energy, or unhappy. As a highly vocal breed, they aren’t shy about using their loud voices to communicate their needs.
2. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow: fluffy, regal, and secretly a trash connoisseur. The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, originating in northern China thousands of years ago.
Instantly recognizable for their lion-like mane, curled tail, and unique blue-black tongue, these medium-to-large dogs typically stand 17–20 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.
With a determined mind and a stubborn streak, a Chow Chow won’t just sniff around the garbage — they’ll carefully inspect, taste-test, and judge everything in it.
Independent thinkers – they do what they want, when they want, and trash is no exception.
Nose for mischief – anything edible or interesting immediately becomes a “Chow Chow investigation.”
They might saunter away afterward as if nothing happened, leaving you to clean up the evidence.
Petplan noted Chow Chows are known for being strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, making them a challenging choice for first-time dog owners
Chow Chows are proud, dignified, and loyal to their family, but don’t let that noble appearance fool you. When it comes to curiosity — and a tasty leftover — they’re cunning little trash explorers in a lion’s mane.
3. Border Collie
The Border Collie: brainy, athletic, and the dog equivalent of a hyperactive genius. These herding pros are used to thinking on their feet — which unfortunately sometimes translates into “I can totally figure out how to get into the trash.”
If there’s a bag to be explored, a wrapper to be shredded, or a snack to be liberated, a bored Border Collie will turn it into a full-on mission.
Brilliant escape artists – clever enough to open cabinets, doors, and any obstacle between them and edible treasure.
Energy overload – if they’re under-stimulated, the trash can becomes their personal playground.
Mischief masterminds – they’ll act like nothing happened… until you find the evidence.
Border Collies are incredible, loyal, and ridiculously smart dogs. But leave your garbage unattended, and they’ll treat it like a puzzle designed just for them — one they’ll solve with flair, speed, and a wagging tail.
4. Beagle
The Beagle: small, adorable, and equipped with a nose that’s basically a built-in GPS for garbage. These scent hounds were born to track, sniff, and investigate — which unfortunately means your trash can is just another mystery waiting to be solved.
While they are still used for hunting today, Beagles are also beloved as friendly and affectionate companion dogs. As pack dogs, Beagles typically get along well with other animals and readily welcome new human friends
With around 220 million scent receptors—compared to a human’s mere 5 million—Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell
Sniff-hounds supreme – a Beagle’s nose can detect edible treasures from across the room.
Clever problem-solvers – doors, bins, and lids are all minor obstacles in their quest for snacks.
Mischief makers – they’ll look at you with wide puppy eyes as if saying, “What trash?” while surrounded by evidence.
Beagles are clever, curious, and relentless once they pick up a scent… especially if it smells like last night’s pizza or a forgotten chicken drumstick.
Although not overly yappy, Beagles have three distinct vocalizations: a bark or growl, a baying howl, and a half-baying howl—often used when they spot prey or decide it’s time to wake the neighborhood at 6 a.m.
Beagles are endlessly lovable, playful, and full of personality — but leave the garbage out and prepare for a whirlwind of sniffs, sneaks, and adorable chaos.
5. Siberian Husky
If there were an Olympic event for raiding trash cans, the Siberian Husky would take gold, silver, and bronze—all while howling a victory song.
These dogs are tricksters and comedians rolled into one furry, blue-eyed package. And when they get bored (which is often), your trash can suddenly look like the ultimate entertainment system.
Huskies are clever, agile, and ridiculously determined. No lid is too heavy, no counter too high. They’ll climb, leap, or body slam their way to those precious scraps.
Brains + Energy: A dangerous combo when pointed at your garbage.
Mischievous, bold, and unapologetically dramatic.
Equal parts class clown and chaos creator.
And the best part? They don’t even try to hide it. A Husky will proudly parade through the house with a pizza crust in its mouth like a trophy, tail wagging, eyes sparkling, saying, “Look what I did!”
WebMD says Siberian Huskies love to run, so they should always be kept on a leash or within a securely fenced yard. These athletic dogs are excellent jumpers, so a fence of at least six feet is recommended to prevent escapes.
Fun Fact: Huskies are famous for their “talking” howls. So, if you dare take the trash bag away, expect a full-blown argument—complete with sass, backtalk, and a dramatic flop on the floor for emphasis.
6. Rottweiler
Rottweilers may look like intimidating bodyguards, but leave a trash can unattended, and they can turn into surprisingly sneaky raiders. With their strength and cleverness, these dogs can topple bins, tear through bags, and carry off treasures like a tiny, furry wrecking crew.
Today, they are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., standing 22–27 inches tall and weighing between 80 and 135 pounds.
Powerful enough to knock over even the sturdiest trash cans.
Intelligent, stubborn, and always curious about “forbidden” smells.
Fierce protector of the home…and occasionally of leftover pizza.
Despite their tough exterior, Rottweilers are curious and food-motivated, which makes your garbage basically an all-you-can-eat buffet.
And good luck scolding them—they’ll just flash a guilty-yet-charming grin that makes you forgive them instantly…while simultaneously stepping over shredded wrappers.
Fun Fact: Rottweilers have been known to strategically stash trash loot in secret spots around the house, making clean-up feel like a treasure hunt. Who knew your guard dog had a flair for theatrics?
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be small in stature, but they make up for it with a nose, determination, and attitude that could rival a full-grown raccoon.
Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds still have that fearless streak today. Give them a whiff of a tasty garbage scent, and suddenly your tidy kitchen turns into an obstacle course of chaos, complete with a proud little Dachshund parading the spoils of their mission.
With their long, low bodies, they can slip under doors, squeeze between furniture, and expertly access that trash bag you thought was “out of reach.”
Low-to-the-ground body = ultimate trash maneuverability.
Curious, determined, and mischievous with a capital M.
Tiny but fearless, endlessly proud of their garbage victories.
PetMD noted that Dachshunds are playful and friendly dogs, making them excellent pets for first-time dog owners. They enjoy mental challenges, such as puzzle toys and scent-tracking activities, which keep them engaged and happy.
Fun Fact: Dachshunds are so committed to their “missions” that they’ll keep digging through bags long after the treat is gone—mostly for the thrill and the chance to show off. It’s like an extreme sport…for dogs.
Conclusion
Dogs rolling in trash may leave your pooch covered in strange odors, bits of dirt, or even feces, much to an owner’s surprise and concerned sighs. But before you panic, remember this is actually a normal behavior with roots in wolves, who used scent rolling on smelly things like dead worms to disguise their own scent or mark a particular spot.
While it may seem random when your dog finds a patch of grass or decides to chew on something questionable, this creature is simply following what’s believed to be a natural behavior.
Dogs may roll for several reasons—to explore their environment, to recognize familiar smells, or to show off to other dogs (and even your cat might watch in disbelief). Though it can linger on their fur for a while, with proper training and guidance from a veterinarian, you can manage the habit.
After all, rolling in trash is part of the messy but fascinating life of living with dogs—and sometimes, what seems gross to us feels completely natural to them.
